Monday, January 31, 2011

The Giant Ghost Crab Goblin Formation

The pinjzhar, or giant ghost crab, was an infantry formation used commonly by the goblin mercenary armies of the Thujan princes, particularly during sieges and in battles with the dreaded Yinyin nomads of the Red Wastes.

Named for the giant undead crustaceans of the Thujan upland marshes, the typical pinjzhar formation consists of 40 goblin light infantry, armed with round iron shields and long kruul spears, deployed very densely. The first row of goblins would hold their shields from about the height of their shins to their red glowing eyes, so as to cover the formation's front. The shields of the goblins on the formation's flanks would be held in such a way that they presented a shield-wall to all sides. The goblins in the mid and back ranks would place their shields over their heads to protect the formation from above, balancing the overlapping shields on their helmets. Those goblins on the sides and rear of the formation would stand sideways or backwards with shields held as the front rows, so as to protect the formation's sides and rear. As awkward as this seems, the goblins of the Thujan Lunar Mountains were particularly adept at walking (and speaking) backwards; some actually preferring this mode of ambulation (and elocution).

The mobile fortification that resulted from this tactic provided excellent protection against arrows (-4 to hit against ordinary missiles) and was so marvelously strong that it could be used to bridge narrow ravines as goblin infantry, wolf-riders and even horses and light wagons could be driven over it.

Reviews

Blurbs

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